#Cine 🎥 Filmmaker Chris Messineo presents his latest work as director and producer, The Strange Dark, at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. This dark comedy centers around Edgar, a man who claims to predict the future, though his family sees him as merely eccentric—until mysterious agents enter the picture, raising questions about what’s real and what’s delusion. With sharp humor and mounting suspense, the film promises to surprise festival audiences.

#Cine 🎥 Director Evan Matthews presents at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival the feature film Motherland, a dystopian work starring Miriam Silverman, Néstor Carbonell, Holland Taylor, and Emily Arancio. The film provokes reflection by portraying an alternative reality where the State takes over the upbringing of children, removing this essential role from the parents. With a strong cast and a bold approach, Motherland raises profound debates about individual freedom, family responsibility, and the future of society. @evanbmatthews

#TV 🎥 At just 8 years old, young actress and singer Luísa Guedes is already an emerging talent in the artistic scene. Born in Recife and based in Rio de Janeiro, the little star began her career at the age of 3 in advertising campaigns and fashion editorials, and soon made a name for herself in music and musical theater. In 2024, she gains prominence in her first soap opera, “Dona de Mim,” on Rede Globo, where she will play the character Antônia, a major challenge that promises to reveal even more of her talent. @luisaguedesc

#Cine 🎥 Director Brian Meere presents the powerful Martyr of Gowanus at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, starring Sawyer Spielberg. Set in Brooklyn in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the film follows a house painter who must confront personal trauma, community tensions, and moral dilemmas that challenge his sense of identity and belonging. The production stands out for its sensitive portrayal of a city’s emotional reconstruction — and that of its inhabitants. @bfmeere

#Cine 🎥 Son of acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Sawyer Spielberg showcases his talent as the lead in the drama Martyr of Gowanus, screened at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. In the feature directed by Brian Meere, the actor portrays a house painter in post-9/11 Brooklyn, grappling with personal trauma and moral dilemmas while navigating a neighborhood in transformation. With a deep and sensitive performance, Sawyer establishes himself as a promising name in contemporary independent cinema. @sawyerspielberg

#Books 📚 After winning the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in the Older Readers category and being nominated once again for the prestigious Yoto Carnegie Medal, British author Nathanael Lessore has solidified his place as one of the most influential voices in today’s young adult literature. With works like Steady For This and the newly released King of Nothing, Lessore has stood out for addressing topics such as bullying, mental health, and the pressures of online culture with both sensitivity and humor. Drawing from his experiences as a Black working-class youth growing up in Peckham, London, he turns personal stories into narratives that speak directly to teenagers — especially boys who are reluctant readers — and has already been featured on platforms such as BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio London, and ITV News London. @natelessore

#TV 🎥 At just 13 years old, young actor Miguel Moro from Rio de Janeiro is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his career: playing Bruno, the son of Carolina Dieckmann and Renato Góes’ characters, in the highly anticipated remake of Vale Tudo, Globo’s new 9pm soap opera. In the role originally played by Danton Mello, Miguel will play a modern, happy and connected teenager who faces problems typical of the current generation, such as screen addiction and lack of family attention. @miguelgmoro

#Music 🎧 With songs that touch on everything from anxiety and bullying to lighthearted and fun moments, singer McKenna Camille has been gaining recognition in the music scene for her authenticity. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she combines solid training, talent, and personal experiences to craft lyrics that resonate with thousands of fans. A symbol of resilience and a standout presence at events like Paris and New York Fashion Week, McKenna uses her art as a tool for connection, strength, and empowerment—especially for those facing emotional challenges similar to her own. @mckenacamille

#Celebrities ✨ From hobby to profession, actor and content creator Zachery Renauldo gained millions of views on TikTok by bringing to life characters and stories inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, a classic tabletop RPG game. With a unique approach that blends humor, cinematic storytelling, and improvisation, he became a reference by making the nerd universe more accessible and fun. In addition to his online success, Zachery also stands out in acting with roles in productions such as Blackout and Manifestation, and promises to expand his projects into higher production formats, combining his passions for acting and storytelling. @zachthebold